Navig8 is a construction advisory practice dedicated to setting infrastructure projects up for success – projects that shape the natural and built environment. The perspective we bring is pragmatic and purpose‑driven: we balance industry capability with commercial realities, bringing together the right people and insights to shape solutions that deliver lasting value for our clients and leave the industry stronger.
Navig8 is committed to helping set infrastructure projects on a course for long‑term success.
Founded in 2023 by Gavin Shaw, and built on over 30 years of construction experience, our practice applies lessons from industry delivery to shape practical, insight‑driven solutions that improve outcomes for both organisations and the wider sector.
What sets Navig8 apart is the way we combine proven technical expertise with strong values, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to trusted partnership. We help clients and their teams move forward with clarity and confidence, navigating complexity while fostering a shared sense of purpose – delivering for projects today while strengthening the industry for tomorrow.
Gavin Shaw is a trusted advisor, project leader, and champion for a stronger construction sector.
With a career spanning three decades, Gavin has led and delivered complex capital projects and major programmes across New Zealand’s construction sector – including both vertical and horizontal infrastructure assets. His project experience includes commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, transport, and civic infrastructure, collaborating with organisations such as Health New Zealand, Auckland International Airport, and the University of Auckland. His approach is shaped by hands-on experience in project execution, governance, procurement, and multidisciplinary team leadership.
Gavin’s expertise extends to leadership, governance, advisory, and evaluation roles on high-profile redevelopment projects. He is recognised for mentoring future leaders, supporting strategic and operational success, and providing industry insights that strengthen project outcomes and sector capability.
Beyond project delivery, Gavin is passionate about lifting capability across the sector. He is the founding Chair of the Society of Construction Contract Practitioners (SCCP), a national initiative to foster excellence in contract administration.
He is also Engineering New Zealand’s subject matter expert for NZS 3910 training, upskilling hundreds of engineers, clients, and contractors each year. His influence extends to standards development as a member of the review committees for NZS 3910, 3916, and 3917 – helping shape contracts that support a more efficient, sustainable, and thriving construction sector.
As a business leader, before Navig8, Gavin was General Manager of Beca’s Project Strategy and Delivery business, NZ’s largest collection of project and cost management professionals. He led the team through transformation and growth and played key roles in major alliances, including the NZDF Defence Estate & Infrastructure Alliance and the Wynyard Edge Alliance for America’s Cup 36.
At heart, Gavin is a clear thinker and communicator who thrives on clarity of purpose and direction. He enjoys the outdoors and the marine environment, and is happiest when skippering family boating adventures – helping people stay calm, play to their strengths, and find their way to safe harbours.
This same spirit guides his approach to leadership and advisory work, where he empowers teams to navigate complexity and achieve shared outcomes.
At Navig8, we bring real-world experience and a practical mindset to every challenge. We believe in working together, not just handing down advice. Progress comes from shared experience, open dialogue, and a willingness to learn and adapt alongside our clients.
We are committed to lifting capability, advancing contract practice, and championing positive change across the construction ecosystem – for the benefit of everyone involved.
Complex projects and tricky problems become clearer when you’re invited to see the bigger picture. Gavin’s approach is all about simplifying the complicated stuff, keeping people focused, and always looking for ways to make the whole sector stronger. Whether it’s navigating a challenging project or helping teams and organisations learn and grow, Navig8 is here to guide you toward better outcomes – for your people, your project, and the wider industry.
We roll up our sleeves, listen closely, and get stuck in. Whether it’s setting up a new project, sorting out a contract, or helping a team build confidence and capability, we’re practical, approachable, and always focused on what really matters. We believe in clear communication, honest advice, and working together to find the best path forward.
Every good journey needs clear markers. At Navig8, we focus on three things
“Setting a smarter course”
Helping projects & organisations set a course for success – guiding decisions that shape outcomes from the very start
“Equipping people to perform”
Building confidence, competence, and capability – empowering people to navigate challenges and seize opportunities
“Lifting the tide for all”
Driving lasting positive change across the construction ecosystem – advocating for a more resilient, sustainable, and high-performing sector
Gavin is known for bringing perspective, making things simple, motivating others, and always looking for ways to lift the sector. At Navig8, we’re committed to starting conversations, sharing lessons learned, and making a real difference – one project at a time. We believe that by focusing on people, projects, and the wider industry, we can help New Zealand’s construction sector thrive.
If you’ve got a challenge, a question, or just want to see how Navig8 can help, get in touch. We’re here to help you find your way – and make your journey a success.